Former Notre Dame Star Jaylon Smith Will Graduate This Weekend

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 07: Jaylon Smith #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates by wearing the hat of team mascot, Lucky The Leprechaun, following their 42-30 win against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on November 7, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

With graduation scheduled this weekend for college programs around the country, star NFL linebacker Jaylon Smith will be among those taking part in Notre Dame’s ceremony.

Smith put together an incredible career on the field with the Fighting Irish. In 2015, he won the Dick Butkus Award which is given to the top linebacker in college football.

The final memory of Smith’s time on the football team was unfortunately his injury against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. He suffered tears to his ACL and LCL, ultimately causing his draft stock to plummet in 2016.

Leading up to the NFL Draft, the majority of scouts would say Smith could be the next great linebacker. Analysts thought his style of play compared to former All-Pro Patrick Willis.

Despite falling to the second round of the draft, Smith is showing everyone that he’s an absolute force on defense. And now, the standout linebacker is ready to enjoy an academic achievement.

Notre Dame’s Commencement Weekend takes place this year from May 17-19. Smith will graduate in the coming days after completing his Film and Television degree this spring.

Jaylon Smith left Notre Dame after his junior year. He promised his mother he would return to earn his degree. He delivers on that promise this week. Smith took 21 credit hours during the spring semester to get the job done. https://t.co/UfnulqzSKu